Debate it, yes, but make your choice

The following editorial appeared in The Telegraph, Alton, Ill., on Friday, Oct. 5:

(MCT) — After all the posturing, commercials, press conferences and propoganda, Election 2012 comes down to its final stage.

Hard to believe, but we now have just over a single month to brush up on the facts before heading to the polls.

On Nov. 6, we’ll decide on a president, congressmen, senators and a whole wealth of county leaders who will decide collectively what’s ahead for the rest of us in the next term.

Will we be better off in four years? Perhaps the outcome is not totally up to us, but certainly we have a big say.

And if you are still undecided on the most important race in America, you’re likely even more confused after the first of three debates held Wednesday night between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

The candidates each got in their jabs and stuck with their basic platforms, but they rattled off the details so quickly you would need a DVR to allow for constant rechecking of what was said.

We take just as much from the demeanor as we do the pomposity. At one time or another, a candidate would look down at the podium and smile smugly while the other was chastising him. People can tell much from body language. It all goes to the believability factor, and what more do you want in any commander-in-chief than honesty?

If you want analysis of the facts there are any number of forums in print or on line that will give you the background, what was being said and who had their facts straight.

The truth is no candidate from the president down is perfect, and no one person has all the answers for what ails our country. The one thing we all agree on is, it’s the stupid economy.

With two more scheduled debates, you’ll have even more opportunity to learn about the issues.

Before you make your choice, though, we have two pieces of advice. One, beware of strangers bearing gifts. You’re going to hear a lot about the dark side of candidates from their opponents in the days before voting, particularly via advertising. Believe none of what you hear and about half of what you see.

And, second, do your homework. The more you know, the more logically you’ll be able to apply that constitutionally granted right to vote. That is the most important choice of all.